Mwansa Middleton Kamangala is the co-founder of Middleton Funeral Services and is a licensed embalmer and funeral director in Minnesota. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota’s Mortuary Science program, equipping him with the skills and knowledge to serve families with compassion and professionalism. Originally from Zambia, Mwansa moved to the United States with his family at a young age. His passion for funeral services began when he lost his aunt in his childhood. He vividly remembers helping plan her funeral and digging the grave, as it was a family responsibility in his culture. The experience was deeply impactful, especially after witnessing the poor preparation of his aunt’s body by the funeral home. That moment became his driving force to ensure families receive the highest level of care and respect during their time of loss. With nearly a decade of experience in the industry, Mwansa has assisted countless families, including those seeking to repatriate their loved ones for burial in different countries. He has worked with diverse cultural and religious communities throughout Minnesota, understanding the importance of honoring traditions and personal wishes. Mwansa believes that a funeral is a time to honor and remember loved ones. He states, “A funeral is a time to remember our loved ones. I believe it’s our job to be there for families, understanding their grief and emotions. They have entrusted us with their loved ones, and we must care for them with dignity, respect, and compassion”. Passionate about his profession, Mwansa finds fulfillment in helping families navigate their loss while respecting their customs and beliefs. In his free time, he enjoys spending quality time with his family and traveling with his wife Elsie to explore cultural mourning practices worldwide.